MEATBALLS: In a medium bowl, using a fork, mix together all the meatball ingredients except the ground beef. When the ingredients are combined, add the ground beef and mix. Just be sure you don’t overwork the meat. Roll into 30-32 meatballs using a tablespoon to measure out the mixture. Set the rolled meatballs aside on a plate or baking sheet.

COOK THE MEATBALLS: In a 4 ½ quart dutch oven (or larger) heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When warm, add roughly half the meatballs (or whatever fits in a single layer with space between the meatballs.) Cook the meatballs, flipping as needed to brown all sides, about 6 minutes. Don’t worry if they haven’t cooked all the way through, we will finished cooking them in the soup. If you need to do this in two batches, add a splash of oil in between if it needs it. Set meatballs aside for now. If you have grease at the bottom of your pan, drain everything but 1 teaspoon’s worth.

SOUP: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and allow it to heat through. Sauté the onions for 5 minutes or until translucent, then add the garlic and continue to cook for 30 seconds. When the garlic is fragrant, add the tomato paste, and red pepper flakes. Crush the fennel seeds between your fingers (or in a mortar and pestle) then add them in (if using) and sauté it for 30 seconds. Add the pasta sauce, broth, 1 cup of water, and the seared meatballs. Bring to a boil. Add the pasta and reduce the heat to medium so it simmers. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. If the soup seems a little thick, feel free to add up to 1 cup of water to thin it to your liking. Be sure to bring it back to a boil if you add any more water! Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Ladle the soup into soup bowls, top with chopped parsley, and serve with slices of fresh bread (garlic toast recipe in notes.)